Multi-appendage device for holding, gripping, or suspending an object

ABSTRACT

A multi-appendage device for holding, suspending, or gripping an object. The device includes: a body, and a plurality of flexible appendages attached to and extending from the body. Each appendage in turn includes an elongate integral piece of molded material, and an elongate integral piece of material that is located within an interior of the elongate integral piece of molded material, and that is generally flexible and inelastic. In accordance with this aspect, each appendage is bendable into various different shapes and is generally inelastic so as to remain in a shape into which it is bent. Preferably, the device further includes an add-on component that attaches to the body to extend from a top of the body and serve as a handle. Alternatively or additionally, the add-on component may include a light, a storage compartment, or both.

COPYRIGHT STATEMENT

All of the material in this patent document, including source code, issubject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the UnitedStates and other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to thefacsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patentdisclosure, as it appears in official governmental records but,otherwise, all other copyright rights whatsoever are reserved.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to devices for holding, grippingor suspending objects and, more particularly, to a device havingmultiple appendages for holding, gripping or suspending an object.

A device is known for holding a camera or smartphone that has threelegs. Such device is sold under the trademark JOBY and currently isavailable for purchase, for instance, online at joby-dot-com. Further,it is believed that such device is disclosed in U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2007/0154254.

While such device is believed to be acceptable for its intended purpose,it is believed that one or more needs nevertheless exist forimprovements in the field of devices for holding, gripping or suspendingobjects, and that the invention provides one or more advantages andbenefits otherwise not provided by such conventional devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes many aspects and features.

Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention relates to amulti-appendage device for holding, suspending, or gripping an object.The device comprises: a body, and a plurality of flexible appendagesattached to and extending from the body. In accordance with this aspect,each appendage is bendable into various different shapes and isgenerally inelastic so as to remain in a shape into which it is bent.

In features of this aspect, each respective appendage may comprise asequence of ball-and-arm sections, each arm section extending betweentwo ball sections of the respective appendage; and each respectiveappendage may comprise a sequence of ten ball-and-arm sections, each anarm section extending between two ball sections of the respectiveappendage.

Further with respect to this aspect, each appendage in turn preferablycomprises an elongate integral piece of molded material, and an elongateintegral piece of material that is located within an interior of theelongate integral piece of molded material, and that is generallyflexible and inelastic.

In another feature of this aspect, the elongate integral piece of moldedmaterial of each appendage generally extends an entire length of theappendage.

With respect to such feature, the elongate integral piece of materialthat is located within an interior of the elongate integral piece ofmolded material of each appendage may generally extend the entire lengthof the appendage.

With respect to such feature, the elongate integral piece of materialthat is located within an interior of the elongate integral piece ofmolded material of each appendage comprises an embedded strand—such asan embedded wire, cable, or rod—that generally extends the entire lengthof the appendage.

In another feature of this aspect, the elongate integral piece of moldedmaterial of each appendage is generally elastic.

With respect to this feature, the elongate integral piece of moldedmaterial of each appendage may comprise an elastomer.

With respect to this feature, the elongate integral piece of moldedmaterial of each appendage may define a generally resilient exteriorouter surface of the appendage, and each appendage may comprise a moldedelastomeric surface.

In a feature of this aspect, each of the plurality of appendagescomprises an elastomer that is molded about an elongate member.

With respect to such feature, the elongate member may comprise aflexible wire that is capable of being bent and shaped.

With respect to such feature, the elongate member may comprise aflexible cable that is capable of being bent and shaped.

In a feature of this aspect, at least one appendage includes a distalend having a suction cup enabling suctioning attachment andstabilization of the appendage to a surface.

In a feature of this aspect, at least one appendage includes a distalend having a fastener enabling fastening and stabilization of theappendage to an object.

With respect to such feature, the fastener may comprise a clamp.

With respect to such feature, the fastener may comprise a spring-biasedclip.

In a feature of this aspect, at least one appendage includes a distalend having a magnetic component enabling magnetic attachment andstabilization of the appendage to a surface.

In a feature of this aspect, at least one appendage includes a distalend having a magnet enabling magnetic attachment and stabilization ofthe appendage to a surface.

In a feature of this aspect, each appendage snaps into engagement withthe body.

In a feature of this aspect, the appendages are detachable from a bodyand are interchangeable with each other in attachment to the body.

In a feature of this aspect, each appendage is spaced at generally equaldistant to each appendage adjacent thereto.

With respect to such feature, the plurality of appendages may comprisesix appendages.

With respect to such feature, the plurality of appendages may consist ofeight appendages.

In yet another feature of this aspect, each appendage is structurallythe same as each other appendage.

In a feature of this aspect, the body has a generally flat top wall, andfurther comprising a layer of resilient material located on thegenerally flat top wall.

With respect to this feature, the appendages may extend from sides ofthe body, and the body may be dimensioned and configured to be graspedby, and fit within the palm of, a person's hand, with the layer ofresilient material facing the palm of the hand.

With respect to this feature, the resilient layer of material may be amolded material.

In a feature of this aspect, the device further comprises an add-oncomponent attached to the body.

With respect to this feature, the add-on component may extend from a topof the body.

With respect to this feature, the add-on component may snap onto thebody.

With respect to this feature, the add-on component may comprise ahandle.

With respect to this feature, the add-on component may be dimensionedand configured to be grasped by, and fit within the palm of, a person'shand, the add-on component serving as a handle of the device.

With respect to this feature, the add-on component may resemble a head;the body and the head may resemble a character. Preferably, the head,the body, and the appendages resemble an octopus (as shown for examplein FIG. 1), and the device is made available in a variety of differentcolors.

Further with respect to this feature, the add-on component may comprisea light.

With respect to this feature, the add-on component may comprise astorage compartment, wherein the add-on component may comprise a lid forclosing and securing any item in the storage compartment, and the lidmay be a screw-on lid or a snap-on lid. Alternatively or additionally,the add-on component may comprise a zipper arrangement for closing andsecuring any item in the storage compartment.

With further respect to this feature, the add-on component preferably isdetachable and reattachable to the body.

In a feature of this aspect, the device further comprises a first add-oncomponent attached to the body and a second add-on component detachedfrom the body, wherein the first add-on component is detachable andreattachable to the body, and wherein the second add-on component isattachable to and detachable from the body when the first add-oncomponent is detached from the body, whereby the first and second add-oncomponents are interchangeable in attachment to the body.

In a feature of this aspect, the device further comprises an objectitself that is releasably held by a subset of the appendages that serveas arms, the arms being bent into a shape that grips the object, andwherein a subset of other appendages serve as legs that support thedevice on a surface. The arms preferably are wrapped around or otherwiseabout the object in locking engagement with the object.

In a feature of this aspect, the device further comprises an objectitself that is releasably held by a subset of the appendages that serveas arms, the arms being bent into a shape that grips the object; whereinthe object is held by a subset of the appendages; and wherein a subsetof other appendages releasably mount the device to a structure or otherobject. The arms preferably are wrapped around or otherwise about theobject in locking engagement with the object.

In a feature of this aspect, the device further comprises an objectitself that is releasably held by a subset of the appendages that serveas arms, the arms being bent into a shape that grips the object; whereinan object is held by a subset of the appendages; and wherein a subset ofother appendages releasably suspend the device from a structure or otherobject. The arms preferably are wrapped around or otherwise about theobject in locking engagement with the object.

In a feature of this aspect, the device further comprises a plurality ofsockets each defining a recess for receiving a ball-shaped object;wherein each appendage comprises a ball-shaped end; and wherein eachappendage is attached to the body by way of the ball-shaped end beingreceived within a recess of a respective said socket.

With respect to this feature, each of the plurality of sockets isdefined by a respective recess formed in the body.

With respect to this feature, each of the plurality of sockets comprisesa respective mounting component that is attached to the body and,specifically, to a base component of the body, the mounting componentdefining a respective socket. Each appendage may be removably receivedwithin a recess of a respective said socket; and each of the pluralityof mounting components may be detachable and reattachable to the basecomponent, wherein the mounting components may be interchangeable witheach other in attachment to the base component.

In a feature of this aspect, each appendage is configured to be poppedinto engagement with the body via a ball-and-socket connection andthereby held in attachment thereto.

In a feature of this aspect, each appendage is configured to be poppedout of the ball-and-socket connection with the body for detachment ofthe appendage from the body.

With respect to this feature, each appendage is configured to bereattached to the body by being popped back into a ball-and-socketconnection with the body and thereby held in attachment thereto. Eachrespective appendage may be detachable from and reattachable to the bodyby popping the respective appendage into and out of a respective recessof the body that defines a socket for the respective appendage.

In a feature of this aspect, the body has a diameter of between aboutone and one-half inches to about two inches.

In a feature of this aspect, each appendage has a length of betweenabout six inches and eight inches.

In a feature of this aspect, the device stands on its own by way of oneor more of the appendages.

In a feature of this aspect, the body is generally circular in across-sectional profile that has a diameter of between about one andone-half inches and about three inches.

Another aspect of the invention comprises a method of using a device inaccordance with a foregoing aspect to hold a plurality of objects.

Another aspect of the invention comprises a method of using the devicein accordance with a foregoing aspect to suspend a plurality of objects.

Another aspect of the invention comprises a method of using the devicein accordance with a foregoing aspect to hold an object by a person.

Another aspect of the invention comprises a method of using the devicein accordance with a foregoing aspect to grasp an object by a person.

Another aspect of the invention comprises a method of using the devicein accordance with a foregoing aspect to grasp an object by a person.The method comprises the steps of gripping the handle by the person andby securing the appendages about the object for gripping engagement ofthe object by the appendages.

In addition to the aforementioned aspects and features of the presentinvention, it should be noted that the present invention furtherencompasses the various possible combinations and subcombinations ofsuch aspects and features. Thus, for example, any aspect may be combinedwith an aforementioned feature in accordance with the present inventionwithout requiring any other aspect or feature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

With reference now to the drawings, the following is a brief descriptionthereof.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of amulti-appendage device for holding and gripping an object in accordancewith one or more aspects and features of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective, exploded view of the device of FIG. 1, showingthe add-on component detached from the base assembly.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the base assembly of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of a base assembly of anotherpreferred embodiment of a multi-appendage device for holding andgripping an object in accordance with one or more aspects and featuresof the invention.

FIG. 5 is top plan view of the base assembly of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is another side elevational view of a base assembly similar tothat of FIG. 5, wherein three embedded wires of the appendages areschematically illustrated.

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of an alternative add-on component inaccordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of another alternative add-oncomponent in accordance with one or more aspects and features of theinvention.

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of another alternative add-oncomponent in accordance with one or more aspects and features of theinvention.

FIG. 10 is a bottom plan view of a base component of another preferredembodiment of a multi-appendage device for holding and gripping anobject in accordance with one or more aspects and features of theinvention.

FIG. 11 also is a bottom plan view of the base component of FIG. 10 andillustrates the mounting components being mounted to the base component.

FIG. 12 is a bottom plan view of the base component of FIG. 10 after alleight of the mounting components have been mounted to the basecomponent.

FIG. 13 is a bottom plan view of the base component and mountingcomponents of FIG. 12, wherein an appendage has been popped into asocket of one of the mounting components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one havingordinary skill in the relevant art (“Ordinary Artisan”) that the presentinvention has broad utility and application. As should be understood,any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of theabove-disclosed aspects of the invention and may further incorporateonly one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Furthermore,any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” isconsidered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out thepresent invention. Other embodiments also may be discussed foradditional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enablingdisclosure of the present invention. As should be understood, anyembodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of theabove-disclosed aspects of the invention and may further incorporateonly one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Moreover, manyembodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, andequivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodimentsdescribed herein and fall within the scope of the present invention.

Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein in detailin relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that thisdisclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present invention, andis made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enablingdisclosure of the present invention. The detailed disclosure herein ofone or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, tolimit the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention,which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof.It is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded thepresent invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitationfound herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps ofvarious processes or methods that are described herein are illustrativeand not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, althoughsteps of various processes or methods may be shown and described asbeing in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processesor methods are not limited to being carried out in any particularsequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps insuch processes or methods generally may be carried out in variousdifferent sequences and orders while still falling within the scope ofthe present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope ofpatent protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by theappended claims rather than the description set forth herein.

Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refersto that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to meanbased on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that themeaning of a term used herein—as understood by the Ordinary Artisanbased on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from anyparticular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that themeaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan shouldprevail.

Regarding applicability of 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶6 paragraph (f), no claimelement is intended to be read in accordance with this statutoryprovision unless the explicit phrase “means for” or “step for” isactually used in such claim element, whereupon this statutory provisionis intended to apply in the interpretation of such claim element.

Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an”each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a pluralityunless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Thus, reference to “apicnic basket having an apple” describes “a picnic basket having atleast one apple” as well as “a picnic basket having apples.” Incontrast, reference to “a picnic basket having a single apple” describes“a picnic basket having only one apple.”

When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one ofthe items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus,reference to “a picnic basket having cheese or crackers” describes “apicnic basket having cheese without crackers”, “a picnic basket havingcrackers without cheese”, and “a picnic basket having both cheese andcrackers.” Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and”denotes “all of the items of the list.” Thus, reference to “a picnicbasket having cheese and crackers” describes “a picnic basket havingcheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers,” as well asdescribes “a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basketfurther has cheese.”

Referring now to the drawings, one or more preferred embodiments of thepresent invention are next described. The following description of oneor more preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in noway intended to limit the invention, its implementations, or uses.

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of apreferred multi-appendage device 100 for holding, gripping, orsuspending an object in accordance with one or more aspects and featuresof the invention. The device 100 comprises a base assembly 101comprising a body 102 and a plurality of flexible appendages 104attached to and extending from the body 102. The body 102 preferably isfirm and may be formed from a molded plastic case or housing. The body102 further may comprise an outer resilient material provided, forexample, by an elastomeric material molded onto the case or housing.

As further shown in FIG. 1, Each appendage 104 is spaced at generallyequal distant to each other appendage 104 adjacent thereto around thebody 102. Preferably the plurality of appendages include at least sixappendages, and as illustrated consist of eight appendages, and eachappendage 104 preferably is structurally the same as each otherappendage 104. The device 100 stands on its own on a surface by usingsome of the appendages 104 as legs, as shown in this drawing.

The device 100 further comprises an add-on component 106 attached to andextending from a top of the body 102. As illustrated, the add-oncomponent 106 resembles a head, and together with the body 102 andappendages 104, the device 100 itself resembles an octopus having eightlegs.

In addition to resembling a head, the add-on component 106 preferablyserves as handle for grasping and holding the device 100 by a person. Inthis respect, the add-on component 106 preferably is dimensioned andconfigured to be grasped by, and fit within the palm of, a person'shand.

The add-on component 106 preferably snaps onto the body 102 and isdetachable from and reattachable to the body 102, as illustrated in FIG.2. Slots 108 are provided in the body 102 that receive inserts 110extending from the add-on component 106 for snapping-on the add-oncomponent 106 to the body 102. The slots 108 are perhaps best seen inFIG. 3, which illustrates a top plan view of the base assembly 101.

As further shown in FIG. 2, the body 102 has a generally flat top wallon which is located a layer of resilient material 112. The layer ofresilient material 112 preferably is compressible and, when compressed,seeks to expand back out and decompress. As such, this layer ofresilient material 112 preferably is compressed and creates tensionagainst the add-on component 106 when snapped onto the body 102, wherebythe add-on component is held in tension against the body 102. Moreover,when the appendages 104 extend from the sides of the body 102 as shownin FIG. 2, the body preferably is dimensioned and configured to begrasped by, and fit within the palm of, a person's hand with the layerof resilient material 112 facing the palm of the hand. The layer ofresilient material 112 thus may provide comfort and added grip when soheld with a hand. The resilient layer of material 112 may be a moldedelastomeric material or a foam material. In some embodiments, a foam padis adhered to the top of the body and comprises the resilient layer ofmaterial.

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of a base assembly 201 of anotherpreferred embodiment of a multi-appendage device for holding andgripping an object in accordance with one or more aspects and featuresof the invention; and FIG. 5 is top plan view of such base assembly 201.The base assembly 201 and the base assembly 101 are similar inconstruction, and the following description of the base assembly 201applies to the base assembly 101.

The base assembly 201 includes a body 202, including the layer ofresilient material 212, and a plurality of appendages 204. While anadd-on component is not shown, which component is considered to beoptional in some embodiments of the invention, the body 202 is shownwith slots 208 for receiving interchangeable add-on components, such asadd-on component 106 of FIG. 2; add-on component 706 of FIG. 7; add-oncomponent 806 of FIG. 8; and add-on component 906 of FIG. 9.

Each appendage 204 of the base assembly 201 preferably comprises anelongate integral piece of molded material. An exemplary piece 203 ofmolded material of a respective appendage is called out in FIG. 4, anddefines the outer surface of the respective appendage. The moldedmaterial preferably is an elastomeric material and preferably defines aresilient outer surface of the respective appendage. As seen in theschematic illustration, the elongate integral piece 203 of moldedmaterial generally extends an entire length of the respective appendage.The molded material may comprise a composite material of differentelastomeric compositions that are molded or co-molded together inparallel or series. Moreover, the resiliency of each appendage maydiffer as between the different composite materials that are moldedtogether.

Furthermore, each appendage preferably comprises a sequence ofball-and-arm sections. An exemplary ball-and-arm section 214 is calledout in FIG. 4, with arm portion 216 and ball portion 218. Ball portion218 is shown to have a preferred diameter of one-half of an inch, andthe overall length of each appendage is shown to be about six andone-half inches when the ball-and-arm sections are aligned in lineararrangement extending from the body 202. In preferred embodiments theoverall length of the appendages are between about six inches and eightinches.

In some embodiments the resiliency of the appendage is generally uniformalong the length thereof, while in other embodiments the resiliencydiffers. For example, the resiliency of the ball portion 218 may be lessthan the resiliency of the arm portion 216 in each ball-and-arm section214. In yet other embodiments, the resiliency of the ball portion 218 isgreater than the resiliency of the arm portion 216 in each ball-and-armsection 214. Still yet in other embodiments, the proximal end of anappendage is firmer or more rigid than one or more other portions of theappendage, especially where the appendage is attachable, detachable, andreattachable to the body, which features are discussed in greater detailbelow.

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 4 the length between the top wall of thebody 202 and distal end of the appendages 204 is shown to be aboutsix-point-eight inches in length. It will be appreciated from thedrawing that each arm section extends between two adjacent ball sectionsof a respective appendage; and each respective appendage may comprise asequence of ten ball-and-arm sections.

With reference to FIG. 5, the body 202 is generally circular in across-sectional profile that has a diameter of aboutone-point-seven-five inches; including the profile of the appendages,the diameter is about two-point-one-four inches as shown. In preferredembodiments, the diameter of the circular cross-sectional profile of thebody is between about one and one-half inches and about three inches.

FIG. 6 is another side elevational view of the base assembly 201. Asperhaps best seen in this drawing, an elongate integral piece 205 ofmaterial preferably is located within an interior of—or otherwiseembedded in—the elongate integral piece 203 of molded material. Theelongate integral piece 205 generally extends the entire length of theappendage. Furthermore, the elongate integral piece 203 of material maybe molded about the elongate integral piece 205.

While the elongate integral piece 203 may be generally flexible andinelastic, the elongate integral piece 205 preferably is inelastic. Suchelongate integral piece 205 of material may be a wire, a cable, or a rodthat is capable of being bent and shaped.

Moreover, as seen in the schematic illustration of three of the embeddedwires of the appendages 204 in FIG. 6, each elongate integral piece 205preferably includes arm portions 209 thereof corresponding to the armportions 216 of the respective appendage, as well as ball portions 211thereof corresponding to the ball portions 218 of the respectiveappendage. Preferably each elongate integral piece 205 is sufficientlyflexible and inelastic such that the respective appendage is bendableinto various different shapes and is generally inelastic so as to remainin such shape into which it is bent.

As mentioned above, the body 202 is configured to receive variousoptional add-on components, including those shown in FIGS. 7-9. Withparticular regard to such optional add-on components, FIG. 7 is a sideelevational view of an alternative add-on component 706 that comprises astorage compartment 722 with lid 724 for closing and securing any itemin the storage compartment. The lid 724 may be a screw-on lid or asnap-on lid. Alternatively the add-on component may include a zipperarrangement for closing and securing any item in the storagecompartment. Such a zipper arrangement is illustrated, for example, inthe Appendix, incorporated herein by reference.

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of an alternative add-on component 806that is contoured to serve as a handle and includes ribs (rib 826 beingcalled out in FIG. 8 for illustration) that define finger grips forbetter grip and hold by a person's hand.

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of yet another alternative add-oncomponent 906 that comprises a battery-operated light or LED component928 for illumination. The add-on component 906 includes an overall outercover 930 that is transparent or translucent, within which the light orLED component 928 is contained.

Preferably, the appendages are detachable from the body and areinterchangeable with each other in attachment to the body. For example,each appendage preferably snaps into engagement with the body and, moreparticularly, a proximal end of each appendage releasably pops into arespective socket of the body. Together, the appendages and body definethe base assembly as used herein.

Additionally, the body may include cavities, recesses, or sockets(hereinafter simply referred to as sockets) into which the proximal endsof the appendages are inserted. The sockets may be defined in the bodyitself, or may be defined in mounting components that form part of thebody, in which scenario the remainder of the body is referred to hereinas a base component.

Further in regard to this latter feature, FIG. 10 is a bottom plan viewof a base component 952 of a body of another preferred embodiment of amulti-appendage device for holding and gripping an object in accordancewith one or more aspects and features of the invention; FIG. 11 also isa bottom plan view of the base component 952 of FIG. 10 and illustratesmounting components 954 being mounted to the base component 952; FIG. 12is a bottom plan view of the body 956 formed by the body component 952of FIG. 10 after eight mounting components 954 have been mounted to thebase component 952; and FIG. 13 is a bottom plan view of the bodycomponent 952 and sockets comprising mounting components 954 withrecesses, wherein a proximal end 960 of an appendage 958 has been poppedinto a recess of one of the mounting components 954. In this respecteach of the mounting components 954 defines a socket configured anddimensioned to receive a ball-shaped object. Each appendage comprises aball-shaped proximal end that, preferably, is sufficiently firm andrigid so as to be attached to—and held in attachment to—the body by wayof the ball-shaped end being popped into and received within the recessof a mounting component. Each appendage preferably is removably receivedwithin a recess of a respective said socket; and each of the pluralityof mounting components preferably are detachable and reattachable to thebase component of the body, wherein the mounting components may beinterchangeable with each other in attachment to the base component.

With regard to the distal ends of the appendages, such as exemplarydistal end 962 of the appendage 958 in FIG. 13, the surface of thedistal end preferably has a surface with a coefficient of frictionsufficient to grip and avoid slipping when the appendage serves as a legof the device for supporting the device on a surface. In someembodiments, at least one appendage includes a distal end having asuction cup enabling suctioning attachment of the appendage to asurface; in at least some embodiments, at least one appendage includes adistal end having a fastener—such as a clamp or spring-biasedclip—enabling fastening of the appendage to an object; and in at leastsome embodiments, at least one appendage includes a distal end having amagnetic component—such as a magnet—enabling magnetic attachment of theappendage to a surface.

In an exemplary use in accordance with one or more aspects and featuresof the invention, an object is releasably held by a subset of theappendages that serve as arms, the arms being bent into a shape thatgrips the object. The arms preferably are wrapped around or otherwiseabout the object in locking engagement with the object. Another subsetof other appendages serve as legs that support the device on a surface.

In another exemplary use, an object is releasably held by a subset ofthe appendages that serve as arms, the arms being bent into a shape thatgrips the object. The arms preferably are wrapped around or otherwiseabout the object in locking engagement with the object. Another subsetof other appendages serve releasably mount the device to a structure orother object.

In another exemplary use, an object is releasably held by a subset ofthe appendages that serve as arms, the arms being bent into a shape thatgrips the object. The arms preferably are wrapped around or otherwiseabout the object in locking engagement with the object. Another subsetof other appendages releasably suspend the device from a structure orother object.

In another exemplary use, an object is releasably held by a subset ofthe appendages that serve as arms, the arms being bent into a shape thatgrips the object, while the device is held with a person's hand. Thearms preferably are wrapped around or otherwise about the object inlocking engagement with the object. The device may be held by holdingthe body if no add-on component is included with the device; and thedevice may be held by holding an add-on component if such component isincluded with the device, especially where such add-on component isdimensioned and configured to serve as a handle.

The device preferably is used to hold, secure, or mount an object toanother object such as, but not limited to, a doorknob; a door overhang;a shopping cart; a pocketbook; a baby car seat; a lamp; a tool; abumpers; a baby carrier; a baby stroller; a side table; a child's bookbag; an adult book bag; a golf bag; a human arm or leg; a belt loop; abelt; a tool belt; a ladder; a table; a chair; a refrigerator door; acabinet door; a door frame; a door hook; or a door hanger. Objects thatcan be held include, for example, household electronics, consumerelectronics, office electronics, or office supplies, and gadgets.Preferably, the device is capable of suspending an object weighing up toabout 10 to 15 pounds (or holding and object against a force equivalentthereto).

Still yet additional embodiments in accordance with aspects and featuresof the invention—and uses thereof—are disclosed in the Appendix, whichis incorporated by reference herein. Indeed, potential uses furtherinclude use with work utility belts in the construction or handymanindustries. To this end, an add-on component may comprise a mechanismfor attachment of the device to a utility belt, and one or more suchexemplary embodiments are disclosed in the Appendix.

As will be appreciated from the foregoing, the device can be attached tojust about anything for providing an extra hold, an extra hand, or theability to hang-up something to almost anything.

Based on the foregoing description, it will be readily understood bythose persons skilled in the art that the present invention issusceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments andadaptations of the present invention other than those specificallydescribed herein, as well as many variations, modifications, andequivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggestedby the present invention and the foregoing descriptions thereof, withoutdeparting from the substance or scope of the present invention.Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein indetail in relation to one or more preferred embodiments, it is to beunderstood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary ofthe present invention and is made merely for the purpose of providing afull and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosureis not intended to be construed to limit the present invention orotherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations,modifications or equivalent arrangements, the present invention beinglimited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.

Indeed, it is contemplated that contexts of implementation and use ofembodiments of the invention include use to hold objects in the kitchen,bedroom, bathroom, living room, and office; use to hold objects whentraveling; use to hold objects when camping; use to hold objects whenworking in garage or automotive shop; use to hold objects when workingwith arts and crafts; use to hold objects in photography; use to holdobjects when caring for or attending to infants; and use to hold objectswhen organizing.

In an exemplary implementation, a florist who needs both hands tocomplete a flower arrangement can secure the arrangement with one ormore embodiments of the invention and have both hands to complete thearrangement. Indeed, one or more embodiments of the invention preferablyare light in weight, small, easy to transport, and the appendages can beeasily maneuvered or manipulated. The aforementioned florist could useone or more such embodiments on site at a wedding or event withouthaving to transport heavy equipment.

In another exemplary implementation, while shopping one could use one ormore embodiments of the invention to secure a drink cup, keys, handbag,and phone all to a shopping cart and continue shopping.

Additionally, it is contemplated that contexts of implementation and useof embodiments of the invention further include use as an extension oraid to one's hand to grasp objects for manipulation thereof, as well asuse in physical therapy in the medical context. Indeed, one such useincludes use by stroke victims who might otherwise be unable to graspand hold an object with the fingers but who can grip a device of theinvention, the appendages of which grasp and hold the object. It isbelieved that such use provides a level of independence otherwiseunavailable for some stroke victims.

1-70. (canceled)
 71. A multi-appendage device for holding and grippingan object, comprising: (a) a body comprising a top portion, a bottomportion, and an intermediate portion between the top portion and thebottom portion, the body having a cross-sectional profile such that thebody is configured to be grasped by and fit within the palm of aperson's hand; (b) a plurality of flexible appendages attached to theintermediate portion of the body, wherein each flexible appendage isconfigured to extend away from the body the same maximum extent in anopposite direction to a direction in which the top portion faces, andwherein each appendage is bendable and remains in a shape into which itis bent; and (c) an elongate add-on component releasably attachable tothe body and configured to serve as a handle for grasping by a person'shand, wherein when the add-on component is releasably attached to thebody, the add-on component covers the top portion, with the one or moreof the appendages configured to extend away from the body in theopposite direction for holding and gripping an object.
 72. The device ofclaim 71, wherein the intermediate portion comprises a peripheral wallto which each of the appendages is attached.
 73. The device of claim 71,wherein each appendage comprises a generally resilient exterior outersurface.
 74. The device of claim 71, wherein each respective appendageis detachable from and reattachable to the body by inserting therespective appendage into and withdrawing the respective appendage outof a respective recess of the body that is configured to receive anappendage.
 75. The device of claim 71, wherein each appendage snaps intoengagement with the body.
 76. The device of claim 71, wherein theappendages are detachable from the body and are interchangeable witheach other in attachment to the body.
 77. The device of claim 71,wherein each appendage is spaced at generally equal distant to eachappendage adjacent thereto, and wherein each appendage is structurallythe same as each other appendage.
 78. The device of claim 71, furthercomprising a layer of resilient material located on the top portion,wherein the layer of resilient material is compressed between the bodyand the add-on component when the add-on component is releasablyattached to the body such that the add-on component is held in tensionwhen attached to the body.
 79. The device of claim 71, wherein theelongate add-on component comprises finger grips.
 80. The device ofclaim 71, wherein the elongate add-on component comprises a storagecompartment.
 81. A multi-appendage device for holding and gripping anobject, comprising: (a) a body comprising a top portion, a bottomportion, and a side portion extending between the top portion and thebottom portion, the body further having a cross-sectional profileconfigured to be grasped by and fit within the palm of a person's handwith the top portion facing the palm; and (b) a plurality of flexibleappendages attached to the side portion of the body, each appendagebeing bendable and remaining in a shape into which it is bent; (c)wherein each appendage is configured to extend away from the body thesame maximum extent in an opposite direction to a direction in which thetop portion faces.
 82. The device of claim 81, wherein the side portioncomprises a peripheral wall.
 83. The device of claim 81, wherein eachrespective appendage is detachable from and reattachable to the body byinserting the respective appendage into and withdrawing the respectiveappendage out of a respective recess of the body that is configured toreceive an appendage.
 84. The device of claim 81, wherein the appendagesare detachable from the body and are interchangeable with each other inattachment to the body.
 85. The device of claim 81, wherein eachappendage is spaced at generally equal distant to each appendageadjacent thereto, and wherein each appendage is structurally the same aseach other appendage.
 86. A multi-appendage device for holding andgripping an object, comprising: (a) a body comprising a top portion, abottom portion, and a side portion extending between the top portion andthe bottom portion, the body further having a cross-sectional profileconfigured to be grasped by and fit within the palm of a person's handwith the top portion facing the palm; and (b) a plurality of flexibleappendages attached to the body, each appendage being bendable andremaining in a shape into which it is bent; (c) wherein each appendagecomprises, (i) an outer, elongate integral piece of molded material thatdefines a sequence of alternating ball and arm portions, and (ii) aninner, elongate integral piece of material that is located within theouter piece of molded material and that defines a second sequence ofalternating ball and arm portions, with each ball portion of the secondsequence being located within a respective ball portion of the firstsequence, and with each arm portion of the second sequence being locatedwithin a respective arm portion of the first sequence.
 87. The device ofclaim 86, wherein the appendages are interchangeable with each other inattachment to the body.
 88. The device of claim 86, wherein eachappendage attached to the body is spaced at generally equal distant toeach appendage adjacent thereto, and wherein each appendage isstructurally the same as each other appendage.
 89. The device of claim86, wherein each of the plurality of sockets is detachable andreattachable to the body along a periphery of a bottom wall of the body,further comprising a layer of resilient material located on a top wallof the body.
 90. The device of claim 86, further comprising an add-oncomponent that is releasably attached to the body component in coveringrelation to the top portion of the body and that is configured to serveas a handle for grasping by a person's hand.